I fondly remember Michael as one of my graduate students in the School of Teacher Education at Azusa Pacific University. I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. My condolences go to his family and friends.

My big brother Mike, the most kind, caring, loving person I have ever known. You were the best brother a sister could ask for, I am missing you every single day. You were the best listener, no matter what I came to you for whether it was happiness or sadness you always knew what to say. You were always there to support me through good times and bad, never with judgement! I love you and I’m so sad that we have been robbed of so much more time together. So many memories we still had to make as siblings, as an uncle, you were such a great uncle, my kids will always remember you and your big heart. You will forever live on in our hearts. Please watch over my babies, our nieces and nephews and especially mom and dad. I miss you so much 💔 
P.s I had so many sweatshirt designs for you and couldn’t wait for you to change the design a million times before settling on our original design… I love you Mike forever and always!

Forever another favorite. A random weekday night going out for a martini listening to the same band that you loved so much, came to your 40th.

I’ll forever miss watching you light up to destress over some live music and a delicious candy martini. Thank you for the wonderful memories over the years. You will NEVER be forgotten. 143 Dorky!!!!

My Christian will always love and miss his uncle mike.

I’ll miss the salsa nights in LA with your friends! I hope you continue to dance above and laugh!!

Thanks for always being there for me family. This was one of the greatest trips. Disneyland will never be the same but I’ll always think and feel you when I’m there.

Who knew then we’d have this amazing 7 years. You were my world. Thank for for always being there for me and protecting me and guiding me to be the man I am today. You and I were a great team. We weren’t always handed the greatest deck or cards but we ended up overcoming all the obstacles. I hope you’re happy and in no pain. Say hi to grandma Ketta for me and my Nina, Eia. I’ll forever miss your laugh, our late night food runs, sitting by the ocean and planning our future. I’ll make you proud. Watch over me and guide me from above. I’ll always love you. 143

✨Good Times!✨ Downtown San Diego   (Mikey, Melody & DAFINA~ Halloween)

✨Good Times!✨ Riverside (Mikey & DAFINA)

✨Good Times!✨ Mikey’s B-Day @ YardHouse in Temecula (The Kaiser Wildomar Crew) ~Mikey, Hilda, Melody,Kevan,Ty & DAFINA)

✨Good Times!✨ Downtown San Diego  (Nick, Mikey, & DAFINA)

✨Good Times!✨ Downtown San Diego  (Nick, Mikey, C.C. & DAFINA)

I’m so grateful Mike and I had such a close bond. He was such an amazing uncle to me and was so sweet, funny, and caring.  I loved making tiktoks and using funny Snapchat filters with you. I loved shopping with you and  going to get ice cream after dinner.  And having sleepovers at mom and papas with you and nick everytime you guys came down. It hurt to lose you but I know I’ll hug you again one day in heaven❤️ love you forever Mikey.

Mike will be very missed he loved everyone so much and he was so fun to hang out with because he made everyone around him laugh.

Happy hour 🍹 
Thanks for everything you’ve taught me, I’ll appreciate the small things even more so now. You could tell that Nick and your family meant the world to you and I’m so glad you got to be with them. You always gave your all at work and would even stay late talking to patients to make sure their concerns were addressed. You were also an amazing coworker who would lend an ear whenever anyone needed it no matter who or when it was. Wish we could go to dinner or grab a drink one more time. I miss my personal Shazam, I could always sing a random lyric and you’d know exactly which song it was. I miss our Spanglish jokes and making up words, you always knew how to lighten up the room. You were always so thoughtful especially with gift giving, insisting on bringing me a gift right before you passed. I treasure the time we had together, I wish it wasn’t so short, but I’ll try to make you proud. Until we see each other again ❤️

Fun times in Tahoe where you learned about peanut butter whiskey 🥃

Heaven couldn’t wait for you… 💔
We would quote “mean girls”; in the pharmacy. We’d laugh and we were lunch buddies, too.. we’d eat our feelings at Chipotle..lol I need to diet but here we are..

Sooooo..many happy moments. We’d get together in the midst of our busy lives and laugh and talk. We’d hug and would exchange, “let’s do dinner again, soon”. We’d show up for each others celebrations. You both would ALWAYS make our important days; your important days…❤️ genuine, is the word. That’s exactly who you were. I’m going to miss you, Mikey..

I am blessed to have been able to call Mikey a friend. He was so kind and joyful and full of life. My heart breaks for his family; he was taken too soon. But I will forever remember the wonderful person Mikey was.

My deepest condolences to all who knew Mike . I say all because I truly believe he impacted everyone’s lives in such a positive way. When he would enter the room you would know it , because of his beautiful amazing aura of positivity. Mike  was always smiling and was such a happy guy . I had the pleasure of working with him at Wildomar when he was an intern.  He will truly be missed by all . Rest In Peace my Beautiful Friend . 
Amanda Campa

My Name is Tim Reyes, 
I met Michael Aja, in 2013 when I walked into my first day of work at the Kaiser Wildomar Pharmacy. Most welcoming welcome to a world that bites, Mike was the one who guided me, way after we stopped working together.  He was the example that lead me to become the assistant that I am today. Truly impacted my life.
I am a believer of God, which makes this truly a bittersweet moment for myself, I am sad to have heard the news of his sudden time on this earth was cut short, but thankfully Jesus has a plan for us all, and I believe we will see eachother shortly. I hate that we had plans just a week before you left us, but  my condolences to the family including Nick, and I'm praying for you all, and will see you at the Memorial. 
Allegedly.

One of many day drinking festivities we had... Allegedly.

One of the last times spent together, I never understood the party as much as I do today.  
We all know Mike was very surprised that year,  thankfully for Nick and the Moms  for making that happen that day even more special than they though at the time.

Our last day working together. SOMETIME in 2015....
I can honestly say a lot of who I am when I put the work hat on, and we get things done, and still stay sweet.

We will miss the light and radiant smile Mike  brought into every interaction! 

Love,
The Padilla Family

Even though Mike was with us for a short time I know he loved Nick and his family and friends whole hearted and in turn we loved Mike back. He was a warm and loving man with a sweet smile. He will be remembered and always be a part of our Family

Mike was always so kind and thoughtful. He showed up for our family in so many ways. A special memory that Steven and I think of when remembering Mike was the way he cared for our little S from day one. He always showed compassion and understanding. Mikes birthday party was one our first big outings together and the kids talked for days and days afterwards about wanting to go dancing  at the party again. Mike will be truly missed.

Some of my favorite conversations with Mike came from this day. A day with laughter, love and so much hope.

This was one of the best nights that I have ever had at a casino, I usually go to gamble but not this night. The drinks were flowing great the music was on point and the dance floor was on fire once mike myself and Nick hit it. We danced and drank all night until the bartender cut us off. I’ve always loved hanging out with my cousin and his favorite person Nick. I love and will miss him with so much of me. Sucks to think that I never get another chance to just dance with him and Nick all night again. I love you Mike 
Rest in peace big cousin I will see u again one day 
But until then just hang with grandpa up in heaven until we meet again
-Steven

When we last saw each other I was ready to pop! You are so missed. Until we meet again ❤️

Graduation party, thank you for always supporting me and Maura. You always brought joy and laughs to a room.

Mike was a bright soul. He showed up to every family gathering, no matter how far the distance, with a huge smile on his face ready to chit chat with everyone around him. You could tell how much he loved to be around family and friends. I hope you find peace in knowing how many lives Mike touched and impacted. 

Andrew & Tonya Anacker
H,T,P

Mike,
Thanks for all the fun times working together at the snow cone booth for the OLG Kermes, enjoying Cristi’s special drinks together. You are in our prayers . May your light and memory continue to shine on your loved ones. Nick, thank you for introducing Mike to us and always making us part of your family.   

Condolences,
Cervantes Family

The memory I’ll always have of Mike is the way he always Carried himself in an out of work. He made everyone’s day just by his presence. Me a Mike would always go back and forth cracking jokes messing around at work. The first day we officially talked an met is when him a Nick came to our house an we talked in the kitchen for awhile about where they are from  ha an I said well I’ll be working with you soon Mike an he would say yea I’ll see you there jokingly an so on so forth. 2 of the best an easy talking guys I’ve ever met. Sad to say we won’t have that with him anymore. But we have Nick to talk about Mike with. Ill never forget Big Mike. I loved the him like family. He was family to me an I’m happy to say I’ll always carry him in my heart. Things will never be the same around work but best know his ass is there still talking shit to me lol 😂 Big Mike this one’s for you brotha. 🥃 Nick stay strong keep ya head up like he’d want you to. An also my deepest condolences to the entire family. Your loss is our loss but also Gods gain. I’ll leave at that.

Mikey was always family.  He’s taught me so much through his actions of kindness, empathy and zest for life.  There was never a favorite song because he loved them all.  May you continue to sing in the heavens until we meet again.  We love you so much.  Love and prayers go out the family.

Love the Maafi Family

Michael was one of the sweetest souls I ever met. He gave genuine love and acceptance to everyone he met including myself and my daughters. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him, and made sure I felt welcome and loved.

The only picture I have of us at the Adele concert. A truly cherished memory, we had such a blast. I remember you were all about Beyonce until you came along with us and saw Adele perform it was something we always talked about ... we will miss you Mike and that radiant smile. Love always Indi, Cisco, Paulina

Nicholas......Aja Family 
I pray that Jesus comforts your heart during this difficult time...
Peace to you today and always💛

911 stair climb San Diego
Nicholas and Krista did the climb
We just cheered them on
Cheers to you Michael 🥂

You are Loved
You will be missed
You will NEVER be forgotten 
Cheers to you Michael🥂

Look at how young my kids were on this adventure we were on....
Always a good time with you and Nicholas🥰

Thank you Mike for coming into Nicholas life and making him so happy.
Thank you for being a part of my family and making my children feel so special. 
You guys had a way of making everyone feel special when they were around you.
You will be missed💔. Love you and Nicholas  more than you will ever know.

Good times became greater with you. 

You are truly missed.

We both had so much in common! 
Both growing up Riverside and graduating high school there the same year! Attending the same pharmacy school and interning at the same pharmacy! 

You taught me so much Mikey! 
Not only about pharmacy (thank you for training me as an intern!) but you also taught me that truly amazing humans do exist. I love and miss you so much! 

Rest beautifully and peacefully, my friend.

Always will be “Ziomara” to you Mike and Nick, it’s our thing. With such an age difference, Jane The Virgin always brought us together. Mike’s compassionate character never changed and I always knew he appreciated the time we had.

Mike you were a son to me. You treated me so well. I loved showing you how to make different recipes in the kitchen. We loved to watch movies and eat popcorn. You meant the world to me and my son. The years we had living under the same roof I will never forget. Rest in peace Mike. Love mama Cristi.

Mike was a big part of our family. He made it to all family get togethers. This photo was our annual reunion and he never missed it. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Thank you for loving my son Nicholas so much. I pray you will be his guardian Angel.

We enjoyed rooting on our Padres with you. So many memories we will never take for granted.

Mike always with your San Diego Family. We love you and miss you.

Always having the best of times with you at our family gatherings. Here we are sharing a drink and probably listening to some good music. Love you Mike.

Mike we are going to miss you so deeply but you are never going to be forgotten. We hold the many memories of you and Nick at our family gatherings  in our hearts forever. 

Love Uncle Rob and Aunt Candi Anacker

What started as coworkers ended up being our wildomar family where we all started. We will all miss you so much and every time I hear Ronnie (the song ) I will think of you just as you did and quick to call me when it was on  lol

My condolences to Nick and the Aja family. I met both Mike and Nick a few years back.  
 I will always remember Mike as being kind and funny.

When I think of Mike, I think of love, friendship, and warmth. I met him through Nicholas, who also radiates love, friendship, and warmth.  It made sense that they both came into my life together at the same time.  Two great souls that met one another and showed me throughout the years what it means to support and love unconditionally.  It saddens me deeply that Mike left both of our lives too soon because he had so much life to live.  There was so much more to build and enjoy life with Nicholas and the rest of his loved ones.  I will never forget his smile and his laughter, his laughter came so easy.  Thank you Mike for always making sure I was safe whenever we went out and always made sure to check that I made it home safely.  One day we will see Beyoncé together when we see each other again.  Thank you for being you.  Miss you forever and will keep you in my prayers and heart forever.

Thank you for taking me out one last time before I moved away. Your laughter will forever ring in my ears. <3

Thank you for always getting a “Love It” with me! <3

Wayne and I first met Mike back during a visit at Aunt Connie’s.
We were happy to see the both of you so happy and caring for everyone there.
We didn’t know Mike then but his genuine warmth, kindness and like ability was contagious.
Mike was a truly wonderful guy, he made you want to say hello and ask what’s up Mike?
Wayne says his gift to us was the memory of him will always warm or hearts a it surly did for my mom on that  first day, the day we met Nicholas and Mike.

Trips to San Diego are not complete without a Cold Stone date with Mike <3

Henry, Rosalie and family, 
We are so sorry for the loss of your son, Mike. Please accept our deepest condolences to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Dirk & Stacey Webb

I am so sorry for the loss you are all experiencing. I feel so lucky to have known Mike for even a little of his life. You and Nicholas were totally my dads, always finding ways to make me feel included. I will miss our group chat and the all of the jokes.

This photo was taken at Michael’s 40th birthday party in downtown San Diego.  I am so grateful to have been there to celebrate with him.  I will never forget Michael’s kindness, compassion, and laughter.  He had a way of making you feel you were the most important, smartest, and funniest person in the room.  He really knew how to treat others, regardless of if he just met you or knew you for years.

I did not know Michael but I am an Aja from the East Coast.  My name is Corrine (Aja) Brickner, daughter of the Late Edward & Esther Aja, of New Jersey.  My sister, Denise, told us of Michael's sudden leaving of the land of the living.   I feel like I've gotten to know him by looking at the pictures & reading about him on all the posts.  A beautiful soul. To my Aja family of the West Coast, me & my husband, John, send our sincerest condolences.

Sven helped celebrate my college graduation. He and Olaf made a poster with pictures of my Grandma on it so she could be there in spirit too. He helped make the day special. Ill miss you Sven. Hope you and my Grandma are having heavenly parties.

Having a fun night drinking blackout punch with Sven (Mike).

Mike was an amazing soul. He had a contagious energy that would lift up those around him. When we were in pharmacy school, he was the person that would always be there to listen and even give advice to others when we were feeling down (and in my case depressed). I couldn't have made it through pharmacy school if I didn't meet Mike. I will miss you Mike and thanks for blessing me and others with the chance to meet you.

Mike was so happy to pitch in and help at my son Vincent’s 1st bday. He was so loving to our children and was always there to help set up and clean up afterwards. He loved to gift them all but the ultimate gift was him being there with us and just making memories.

Celebrating our annual Big Deal event for Our Lady’s School. Mike loved this school and knew it meant a lot to us so in typical fashion Mike was 100% all in.

You could always count on Mike to support any fundraiser at our Catholic school or church. Here we are at our annual Spaghetti Dinner.

Mike hanging with our Familia at a Temecula Winery. Two angels in this photo Nina and Mike.

Very thankful that God brought Mike into our lives. He was special. There is no other way to say it but Mike was special. One of the most caring people I have ever met. Mike had a kind heart and always loved being around family. He would talk about his family so proudly and when he would be around our family he was part of us. We had great times and memories that will live on forever. Although Mike may not be here physically his spirit lives on through all of us   Thank you Mike for impacting us all with you just being you. Rest well in heaven and I know one day you and I will be playing the oldies and jamming out to some great tunes.

This was a random and spontaneous meet up with Mike as we were traveling through Bakersfield as we were coming home from a visit with friends in Clovis. 

It was a brief but fun little visit. I’ll always miss these types of visits/opportunities to see Mike.

Going to Disney for Christian’s bday, he always talks about this trip! We love you Mike!

Christian from the very first time he met you connected with you! Mike thank you for showing my Christian love. You are his angel now I know you will continue to watch him from above.

Mike, 

Thank you for always loving my kids and treating them with nothing but love and kindness. Christian had a special bond with you. You were his uncle Mike and boy did he always ask for you. You always knew how to cheer him up and make him have a smile on his face just like you knew how to do that with anyone you met. We love you and we will miss you greatly. Thank you for showing my brother love but most importantly thank you for being the most amazing person you were. Every time I hear music I think of you. May you rest in peace!

You will be missed Mike, thank you for always staying true and for being such a great and dear friend over the 10+ yrs we've  known each other.  I'm sad that we didn't have our yearly get together sooner, my sincere condolences to the Aja family, I know Mikes  presence will continue to guide and light all those that he touched.  Much love and blessings - Junior

The way I will remember Mike…..
Mike was always so studious… sacrificing perhaps time with friends or family to reach his goals I was always in awe at his determination. But when it came to enjoying or celebrating Mike knew no bounds from great food amazing drinks and good entertainment he always knew how to have a good time. All his hard work paid off for him. I appreciated Mikes attention to detail… from learning things you liked or favored to surprise you on a special occasion or just because was truly special. He would know your favorite color or candy bar or whatever all to make you smile. He was truly so selfless. When he gave he gave with heart and intention even when he wrote out a card or typed a text message whatever he did was heartfelt. It was hard to surprise Mike or catch him off guard but when my BIL Nicholas shook him with a surprise 40th birthday party although he was overwhelmed with attention and excitement he had a wonderful time and I’m sooooo glad we got to experience that moment with them. Mike always loved to be their for his family and be the Uncle to go to and talk to, I will always thank him for being that for my Son Jay. Thank you for loving and caring for Nicholas the way you did Mike, your devoted heart to care and love him earned you all of our respect. I will hold onto the memories and whenever the music comes on and it’s and old school Jam or Selena I will think of you singing in heaven. ( you literally knew all the lyrics) May the Aja Family find peace in knowing they had a magnificent Son, brother and Uncle you truly raised a wonderful human soul and although he isn’t with us physically he will forever live in our hearts and in any sign we see around us that reminds us he is still with us. I will always remember you smile Mike shine down from Heaven. God bless.

Dear Uncle Mike, 
I know while you were alive you would always say not to remorse over you but °° rather to remember all the good times we had together and all of the memories good or bad but I can’t  help but be sad that you're gone I may not remember every part of every conversation weve ever had (because I mean who would? but I do remember the important ones. You loved to have a good time and have fun I loved the car rides anywhere with you where we would get a good laugh from pretending we were racecar drivers and seeing how fast we could go, while your blowing at the stop light so that the light would turn green. Now every time I'm driving I remember the conversations we had about school about our family, about stories from the past, about boys, and about pretty much everything. I'll always remember playing every song we could in the car because music was your escape.  People were always the most important thing in your life You always helped out anyone, and everyone who needed it. You always said you should live life to the fullest while you're alive, you always told  me to get into a bit of trouble (though I seldom listened to that) so i would have stories to tell others. You always believed in me that I could do ANYTHING-even if I didn't think I could. 
I will miss you dearly but I will always hold on to the memories we created.  As always Disney was your favorite; so as Coco would say" Know that I'm with you the only way that I can be... Until you're in my arms again, remember... me...”  and I will always remember you. I love you dearly as did so many other people. 
 
Love always
Zyla  «3

Dear Uncle Mike, 
I know while you were alive you would always say not to remorse over you but °° rather to remember all the good times we had together and all of the memories good or bad but I can’t  help but be sad that you're gone I may not remember every part of every conversation weve ever had (because I mean who would? but I do remember the important ones. You loved to have a good time and have fun. I loved the car rides anywhere with you where we would get a good laugh from pretending we were race car drivers and seeing how fast we could go, while your blowing at the stop light so that the light would turn green. Now every time I'm driving I remember the conversations we had about school , about our family, about stories from the past, about boys, and about pretty much everything. I'll always remember playing every song we could in the car because music was your escape.  People were always the most important thing in your life.  You always helped out anyone, and everyone who needed it. You always said you should live life to the fullest while you're alive, you always told me to get into a bit of trouble (though I seldom listened to that) so i would have stories to tell others. You always believed in me that I could do ANYTHING-even if I didn't think I could. 
I will miss you dearly but I will always hold on to the memories we created.  As always Disney was your favorite;  so as Coco would say" Know that I'm with you the only way that I can be... Until you're in my arms again, remember... me...”  and I will always remember you I love you dearly as did so many other people. 
 
Love always
Zyla  «3

OBITUARY

Michael Henry Aja

October 13, 1981 – August 18, 2023

Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary

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